Journeyman Program Evaluation Specialist
About The Position
The Capabilities, Analysis and Development (CAD) division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) seeks a Journeyman Program Evaluation Specialist to support a multidisciplinary team providing data analysis, business intelligence, operations research, and decision support across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mission space. The specialist independently designs and conducts evaluations for DHS S&T research, technology development, and operational capability programs. The role supports evidence-building requirements and annual evaluation plans, and works with program managers to help ensure investments produce measurable outcomes for DHS mission components. The position is remote, with occasional travel to the client site and potential evaluation sites. Client offices are at DHS’ St. Elizabeth campus in Washington, D.C. The stated annual pay range is $100,000–$133,000, depending on experience, degree, and relevant skills and knowledge. ARA says it offers competitive benefits and provides employees opportunities to participate in its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
Requirements
- Demonstrated experience designing and conducting program or policy evaluations.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Bachelor’s degree and 5–7 years of experience.
- Strong data analysis skills and familiarity with evaluation software or tools.
- Ability to translate complex findings into actionable recommendations.
- Experience with stakeholder engagement in a technical or operational environment.
- Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams.
- Flexibility to recognize when other methods may be appropriate.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree or Ph.D. with 3–5 years of experience.
- Knowledge of DHS S&T mission areas, federal RDT&E lifecycles, and technology transition metrics.
- Experience developing Evidence Act evaluation plans, including annual evaluation plans, capacity assessments, and program reviews.
Responsibilities
- Lead evaluation design for selected S&T programs in alignment with the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act (Evidence Act) and DHS Evaluation Policy 102-06.
- Develop evaluation questions, methodologies, data collection instruments, and analysis plans.
- Conduct mixed-methods analyses, including statistical analysis, qualitative coding, case studies, and cost-effectiveness assessments.
- Develop performance metrics tailored to research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) programs and technology transition pathways.
- Produce evaluation reports, briefings, dashboards, and data visualizations for leadership.
- Work with program managers to identify evidence gaps and shape learning agendas.
- Provide recommendations to inform investment decisions, project prioritization, and program improvement.
- Manage contractor support and coordinate with research partners, laboratories, and DHS operational components.
- Ensure ethical, privacy, and security compliance concerning DHS-sensitive data and operational information.
Benefits
- Competitive benefits addressing employees’ current and future needs.
- Eligibility for contributions through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
- Tools, training, and opportunities to take active roles as employee-owners.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
